Matt Dawson last night insisted that England will only consider themselves the best in the world if they win next year's Rugby World Cup.

Matt Dawson last night insisted that England will only consider themselves the best in the world if they win next year's Rugby World Cup.

THEIR 45-11 Lloyds TSB Six Nations victory over Ireland moved England above New Zealand and top of the official world rankings - the first time the position has been held by a Northern Hemisphere side.

While the injured scrumhalf praised the achievements of Clive Woodward's side, he insisted that the true test lies in the 2003 tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

"England may have gone up to number one in the world rankings, but I don't think any of the players will think they're the best in the world until they lift the World Cup," he told www.bbc.co.uk/rugby.

"Yes, the stats are great and it's a fantastic honour to be rated as No 1 in the world.

"But the World Cup is where all the kudos is and that's where everyone strives to be successful. This is a great honour but lifting that trophy is No 1."

Delighted England coach Clive Woodward described some of his team's rugby as "wonderful."

"It was a wonderful first half. The first 40 or 50 minutes produced some of the best rugby since I have been in charge," Woodward said.

"We thought that Ireland might be vulnerable in certain areas, and that first 40 minutes was as good as I've seen England play since I've been in charge.

"But Ireland are a good team, and they will bounce back from this. Every team has setbacks now and again - we've bounced back from losing to them last October, and I am sure they will bounce back from this defeat."

Woodward paid tribute to Falcons star Jonny Wilkinson, whose running game often came close to perfection as he carved out and exploited huge gaps in the Irish defence.

"Jonny's footwork was outstanding. He took his performance to another level today, and had a wonderful game."